Cut off by Congress? Maybe 211 can help.

If your unemployment benefits are set to expire, consider calling 211, the Bay Area’s community information line. 211 agents can help people find and qualify for financial counseling and assistance, child care, job training, food banks and other programs like PG&E Cares to lower utility bills.

“211 is a perfect resource for people who need help during these tough times, but don’t know where to start,” said Maria Stokes, spokeswoman for United Way of the Bay Area which sponsors the service. “211’s trained, caring specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

People can dial 211 directly in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Solano counties. T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, and MetroPCS phones can also currently access 211 directly.

If you can’t dial 211, you can reach the call center by dialing 800-273-6222 or 415-808-HELP.

For more information about the 211 program, including a free guide to services to help you survive the recession, visit the Web site 211BayArea.org.